Notting Hill Carnival: Man jailed for murder of Cher Maximen

Notting Hill Carnival: Man jailed for murder of Cher Maximen

A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Cher Maximen at Notting Hill Carnival, in an incident that shocked the community. Shakeil Thibou, 20, from Kensington in west London, received his sentencing at the Old Bailey, where he was told he must serve a minimum of 29 years behind bars. The brutal attack took place in front of Ms. Maximen’s three-year-old daughter and resulted in her tragic death after six days in the hospital.

During the trial, it was revealed that Thibou had engaged in a fight with a man named Adjei Isaac at the carnival’s family day. As the altercation escalated, Thibou brandished a zombie knife and fatally stabbed Ms. Maximen when she inadvertently got caught in the conflict. The judge presiding over the case, Judge Philip Katz, emphasized the profound impact of the murder on those who knew the victim, stating that it was a senseless and shocking act of violence.

Judge Katz condemned Thibou’s actions as “brazen” and highlighted the disturbing nature of the attack, which occurred in broad daylight in the presence of families and law enforcement. He expressed particular concern for Ms. Maximen’s daughter, who had to witness her mother’s murder, turning what should have been a festive occasion into a horrifying tragedy. Thibou’s lack of hesitation in resorting to violence, even in the presence of police officers, further underscored the gravity of the crime.

In addition to Thibou’s conviction for murder, he was also found guilty of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to Adjei Isaac and possessing an offensive weapon. His brother, Sheldon Thibou, was convicted of violent disorder and assaulting a police officer who intervened in the incident. Another brother, Shaeim Thibou, was acquitted of violent disorder but found guilty of assaulting a police officer and is awaiting sentencing. The family’s involvement in the violent altercation has left a community reeling from the tragic loss of Cher Maximen and the resulting criminal convictions

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More